RAF Church Lawford
RAF Church Lawford, a Second World War airfield that was used for training instructors. The airfield was situated to the east of Dunsmore Heath.
1 Church Lawford was principally used as a training base for instructors.
2 Oblique air photo showing an unusual runway layout.
3 Pill boxes at airfield: two type 22 at SP45 72 and SP45 73 (latter demolished) and third ?Pickett-Hamilton type at SP45 73 over which aircraft could taxi.
4 Like neighbouring Bramcote it was planned as a bomber station, provided with three concrete runways covered with tarmac. Church Lawford was provided with ample hangarage, one large aircraft shed, six Bellmans and later ten Blisters. The airfield opened in Spring 1941, and just 18 days later, on 30th May, became home to the No 2 Central Flying School, training instructors. Detailed information.
- For the sources of these notes, see the
- Timetrail record
- produced by the Historic Environment Record.
Comments
My father lived and worked on the site of the hamlet of Ling at Ling Farm, owned by Mr P Gray, prior to it being demolished to build the Airfield. Mr Gray’s family retain ownership to this day of most of the site. My uncle’s building company, working at the time in Rugby on a new housing estate, was commandeered in 1938 to help construct the airfield. My father, though not knowing him, then went to work for him and later married his sister, who would become my mother. Two other coincidences, I have lived and worked some years in the area for the Gray family, and my sister now lives in a house in Rugby originally held up in its construction at the time.
I went over to the Airfield Construction team working there, from Wellesbourne Moutford, to do a job, late 59.
My father was in the R.A.F, and was attached to Airfield Construction Branch, and for a period he was stationed at RAF Church Lawford. While he was based there, the family lived in one of the camp’s married quarters, our address was 56 The Circle. I don’t suppose any of the houses are still there now.
My father was based at RAF Church Lawford. We lived at number 4 The Circle (now known as The Ryelands), I understand the houses are still there and no longer MOD owned. I think we lived there from 1956 to late 1959. It would be lovely to know of other families who resided there around that time.
The houses are still there, i live at No.54….
My sister and I were reminiscing today about our time living on The Circle in a house opposite farmland. Our father was also in the RAF there in the late 50s. We remember walking to the NAAFI and to the hall where films were shown.
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